Schedule for Spring/Summer 2018

All workshops are open to all levels of experience. Material costs are included in the workshop fee.

Pease note the location and method of registration for each individual workshop. Joan teaches at her studio on Salt Spring Island which is located on the north side of St. Mary Lake. Other workshops are held regularly in Victoria or at other locations as listed.

Each workshop offers exposure to its own set of techniques and materials within the fascinating world of basketry. We discuss the selection and preparation of materials, the historical and contemporary significance of basketry and ultimately I hope to share the fun and thrill that goes along with creating a three dimensional object by hand.

Tree barks provide one of nature’s most beautiful materials for basket making. This course will begin with discussion covering the respectful harvesting of tree barks followed by hands-on preparation of cedar and willow bark. Using the bark you have prepared, participants will design and weave their own unique basket combining such techniques as plaiting, twill and twining. Sample baskets will be on hand for inspiration. Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm Location: Joan's Studio on Salt Spring Island, BC. Directions…

This is a classic splint woven basket associated with the 19th century northeast woodlands. This daypack size basket is versatile and comfortable for carrying and for storage. We will be using flat reed splints to weave the basket which measures 12” wide x 8” deep x 14” high. A choice of colour in nylon webbing will be used for the strapping. All levels welcome. Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm To Register: Register online at http://www.coastcollective.ca/classes-1/other-maker-classes/adirondack-reed-backpack Registration Fee: $276.50

Tree barks provide one of nature’s most beautiful materials for basket making. This course will begin with a hands-on discussion covering the respectful harvesting and preparation of local tree barks. With a selection of willow barks, red and yellow cedar bark, and other local barks, participants will explore techniques such as plaiting, twill, and twining. Principles of designing a basket and variations in weaving patterns will be covered. Sample baskets will be on hand for inspiration.

Learn this traditional basketry technique of knotless netting, (also referred to as looping) by dressing up a stone or making a small pouch. Using colourful waxed linen thread, we learn how to increase and decrease stitches as well as look at some design variations which incorporate beads or thin pieces of bark.

In this workshop, we will explore combining two different weaving techniques to create a striking sculptural basket. First, we will start with random weaving the base of the basket using dyed reed. This weave is inspired by bird’s nests and offers many sculptural possibilities. The top of the basket will be woven with 2 and 3 strand twining and offers many design and shaping possibilities.

In this variation of a Rib basket we will be using a willow hoop for our rim and incorporating 2 side handles. The combination of dyed reed and seagrass for the weaving adds colour and texture. We will discuss use of natural materials and how to make your own cordage. This is an all time favourite basket! Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm To Register: email Joan at workshops@joancarrigan.com

Explore the sculptural design possibilities of the Wicker Basketry technique when starting with a wood base. Bases will be provided along with dyed round reed and a selection of natural materials to incorporate into this sculptural basket. In the process of weaving this basket, participants will learn control of shaping as well as a variety of weaving patterns. The rich variety of colour and design options makes for a fun and creative experience. Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm To…

Over the course of 2 days we will be making several projects which employ twining, looping and knotting. These basketry techniques are well suited to jewellery and basketry forms. Using a selection of barks and waxed linen thread we will look at some of the many design possibilities within these techniques and participants will design their own unique creations. To Register: Email Joan at workshops@joancarrigan.com Time: 9:30 am - 4:00

In this course, we will be exploring weaving techniques and variations associated with twining and wicker construction. These techniques offer a solid framework allowing us to focus on shaping and pattern design. A variety of techniques will be covered including randing, variations of twining, open weaves and random weave. We will look at symmetrical and asymmetrical shaping with an emphasis on the sculptural potentials of three-dimensional weaving. Our base material will be dyed reed or vine rattan with a wide…

Come weave a Classic Shaker Style storage basket in the elegant shape called a Cat’s Head basket. These baskets start with a square base with the basket resting on the four points of the base. It is woven in a unique way to achieve a rounded shape. We will focus on how to shape with the continuous twill pattern. This adaptation uses natural and dyed reed to emphasis the diagonal pattern of the weave. Register Online on the Coast Collective…

Watercolour paper is very strong and durable and offers endless opportunities for the basket maker. In this workshop, we will be plaiting with ¼” wide painted watercolour paper creating an attractive decorative vase with curl embellishments. Discussion will cover how to prepare paper for weaving. Variations of shaping and curl embellishments will be on hand for participants to choose their own design. To Register: Call the Horticultural Centre at 250-479-6162 Cost: $120 HCP Members $140 Non Members

We will be weaving a beautiful tray inspired by the Hopi trays of the Southwest. The attractive sturdy structure of this tray along with multiple colour and pattern options, offer the participant the opportunity to complete a unique functional and decorative platter. We will be using dyed reed and raffia to make this basket. To Register: Call the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific at 250-479-6162 Cost: $120 HCP Members $140 Non Members

Soft materials such as rush, sedge and flower leaves offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be weaving a small bowl employing a plaited base, variations of twining for the sides and lovely rolled border. This is a traditional European basket material which we have plenty of access to here in the Pacific Northwest. To Register: Call the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific at 250-479-6162 Cost: $120 HCP Members $140 Non-Members

Plaiting with Watercolour Paper, Pine Needle Coiling and Random Woven Basket In this 4-week course we will make 3 different baskets starting with the Pine Needle Coiled basket with a walnut slice start. The next basket will be a Plaited Basket with Watercolour Paper which has a shoulder shaping and decorative curls. The final basket we make will be a Random Woven basket using dyed reed. Dates: Wednesday nights - November 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2017 Time: 6:30 pm…

Weaving a beautiful individualized pouch or cell phone holder with local plant materials is very satisfying. I have carried my cell phone in a pouch like this for years and have had so many comments I thought it was time to share the fun. We will begin with a discussion on how to plan the project to fit a specific cell phone. Then we will weave and design the pouch using a variety of plaiting, twining and twill patterns. Local…

Weaving a beautiful individualized pouch or cell phone holder with local plant materials is very satisfying. I have carried my cell phone in a pouch like this for years and have had so many comments I thought it was time to share the fun. We will begin with a discussion on how to plan the project to fit a specific cell phone. Then we will weave and design the pouch using a variety of plaiting, twining and twill patterns. Local…

This workshop is being held at my studio space on Salt Spring Island. The Honeysuckle Rib basket is always a favourite with everyone who makes one and is ideal for beginners. This basket is also called an egg basket and has many design variations and allows for incorporating a wide variety of materials. We will be starting with honeysuckle vine hoops and using dyed reed and an assortment of natural materials for added texture and design interest. To Register: email…

This workshop is being offered through the Spring 2018 Maiwa School of Textiles in Vancouver, BC. Basket weaving is an ancient skill found in all cultures in a wide variety of forms. We will be exploring weaving techniques and variations associated with flat materials such as tree barks, wood/reed splints, palm leaves, and paper. A variety of techniques will be covered including plaiting, twill, diagonal plaiting and single sheet free form construction. These techniques offer a broad exposure to weaving…

In this workshop we will be exploring the use of gourds as a base for coiling. Gourds offer an extensive range of decorative design possibilities which combine well with basketry techniques. Discussion will cover the preparation of gourds from the cleaning, cutting, painting and drilling. Next, we will coil around the rim of the gourd using pine needles or other local materials on hand. To register: Call the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific at 250 479 6162 Cost: HCP Members-…

Soft materials such as rush, sedge and flower leaves offer the basket maker a beautiful material for fine twining. We will be weaving a small bowl-shaped basket with a radiating spoke base, variations of twining for the sides and lovely twined border. We have plenty of access to these basket materials found either in our gardens or local ditches and ponds. To register: Call the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific at 250 479 6162 Cost: HCP Members- $120 Non Members-…

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What Joan's Students Say

Thank you again for the spirit and energy you pour into your teaching. I'm inspired by all the creative dimensions of the weaving process, and by the depth of your own passion for the craft and meaning behind each basket.

Linda

Thank you so much for the wonderful basket-making instruction! You are a wonderful teacher and your patience is second to none! I love the little basket and the whole experience was absolutely amazing.

Lindy

I very much appreciate your dedication to teaching us, and I am definitely inspired to keep experimenting with my basket ideas.